2013 MERCEDES-BENZ M-Class brakes

Notes/function
.............................. 233
Trailer towing ................................. 235
see Active Blind Spot Assist
BlueTEC
Adding DEF .................................... 177
BlueTEC (DEF) .................................... 448
Brake Assist see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 289
Notes ............................................. 450
Brake lamps
Changing bulbs .............................. 132
Display message ............................ 296
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 66
Adaptive Brake Assist ......................69
BAS .................................................. 67
BAS PLUS ........................................ 67
Brake fluid (notes) .........................450
Display message ............................ 283
Driving tips .................................... 183
High-performance brake system ....184
Important safety notes ..................183
Maintenance .................................. 184
Parking brake ................................ 180
Warning lamp ................................. 318
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Bulbs
see Changing bulbs C
California Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................24
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Car
see Vehicle
Care
Carpets .......................................... 377
Car wash ........................................ 370
Display ........................................... 374
Exhaus tpipe .................................. 374
Exterior lights ................................ 373Gea
rors electo rlever .................... 376
Interior ........................................... 374
Matte finish ................................... 372
Nigh tView Assist Plus ...................375
Notes ............................................. 369
Paint .............................................. 371
Plastic trim .................................... 375
Power washer ................................ 371
Rea rview camera .......................... 373
Roof lining ...................................... 377
Seat bel t........................................ 377
Seat cover ..................................... 376
Sensors ......................................... 373
Steering wheel ............................... 376
Trim pieces .................................... 376
Washing by hand ........................... 371
Wheels ........................................... 372
Windows ........................................ 372
Wiper blades .................................. 373
Wooden trim .................................. 376
Cargo compartment cover
Notes/ho wtouse......................... 338
Cargo compartment enlargement
Important safety notes ..................335
Cargo compartment floor
Opening/closing ............................ 342
Stowag ewell (under) ..................... 342
Cargo net
Attaching ....................................... 340
Important safety information .........340
Cargo tie down rings .........................337
Car keys see SmartKey
Car wash (care) ................................. 370
CD player/CD changer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 270
Center console Lowe rsection .................................. 37
Uppe rsection .................................. 36
Central locking
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 276
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ........79
Changing bulbs
Brake lamps ................................... 132
High-beam headlamps ...................130
Important safety notes ..................128
Low-beam headlamps ....................1306
Index

Overview
.......................................... 84
Power closing feature ......................86
Downhill Spee dRegulation
see DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
Drinking and driving .........................182
Drinks holder see Cuph older
Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 169
Display (DIRECT SELECT lever) ......165
Manual .......................................... .171
Off-road program (vehicles
without the ON&OFFROAD
package) ........................................ 248
Off-road program (vehicles with
the ON&OFFROAD package) ..........248
SETUP (on-board computer) ..........279
see On-road programs
Driver's door
see Doors
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service .................369
Symmetrical low bea m.................. 120
Driving in mountainous terrain
Approach/departure angl e............ 190
Driving lamps
see Daytime running lamps
Driving off-road
see Off-road driving
Driving safety systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......66
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 73
Adaptive Brake Assist ......................69
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............67
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) .............................................. .67
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST ....68
Distance warning function ...............68
Electronic brake force distribution ...73
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 70
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ........................................... 70
Important safety information ...........66
Overview .......................................... 65
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................ .73
STEER CONTROL ............................. 75Driving systems
360°camera .................................. 225
Active Blind Spot Assist .................237
Active Curve System ......................209
Active Driving Assistance
package ......................................... 237
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............241
Active Parking Assist .....................217
ADS ............................................... 209
AIRMATIC package ........................209
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 212
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................230
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 233
Cruise control ................................ 192
Display message ............................ 302
DISTRONI CPLUS ........................... 194
HOLD function ............................... 207
Lane Keeping Assist ......................235
Level control (vehicles with
AIRMATIC package) .......................210
Level control (vehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD package) ................204
On-road programs .......................... 243
PARKTRONI C................................. 213
Rea rview camera .......................... 221
Driving tips
Automatic transmission .................168
Brakes ........................................... 183
Break-in period .............................. 156
DISTRONI CPLUS ........................... 202
Downhill gradient ........................... 183
Drinking and driving .......................182
Driving abroad ............................... 120
Driving in winter ............................ .186
Driving on flooded road s................ 185
Driving on sand .............................. 189
Driving on wet road s...................... 185
Driving over obstacles ...................189
Exhaus tcheck ............................... 182
Fuel ................................................ 182
General .......................................... 182
Hydroplaning ................................. 185
Icy road surfaces ........................... 186
Limited braking efficiency on
salted road s................................... 184
Off-road driving .............................. 187
Off-road fording ............................. 185 Index
9

Trailer towing
Active Blind Spo tAssist ................. 240
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............243
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 235
PARKTRONI C................................. 216
Permissible trailer loads and
drawba rnoseweights ..................... 259
Transfer case ..................................... 173
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Transmission position display .........165
Transmission position display
(DIRECT SELECTl ever)...................... 165
Transporting the vehicle ..................393
Traveling uphill Brow of hill ..................................... 191
Driving downhill ............................. 191
Maximum gradient-climbing
capability ....................................... 191
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) .376
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 267
Trip odometer Calling up ....................................... 266
Resetting (on-board computer) ......268
see Trip odometer
Trunk
see Tailgate
Turn signals
Display message ............................ 295
Switching on/off ........................... 123
see Turn signals
TWR (Tongue Weight Rating)
(definition) ......................................... 421
Type identification plate see Vehicle identification plate U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................86
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 85 V
Vanity mirror (in the sun visor) ........345
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 27
Data acquisition ............................... 28
Display message ............................ 312
Equipment ....................................... 24
Individua lsettings .......................... 274
Limited Warranty ............................. 28
Loading .......................................... 410
Locking (in an emergency) ...............87
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 79
Lowering ........................................ 426
Maintenance .................................... 25
Parking for a long period ................ 182
Pulling away ................................... 160
Raising ........................................... 423
Reporting problems .........................28
Securing from rolling away ............422
Towing away .................................. 391
Transporting .................................. 393
Unlocking (in an emergency) ...........86
Unlocking (SmartKey) ......................79
Vehicle data ................................... 452
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 452
Vehicle dimensions ...........................452
Vehicle emergency locking ................87
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate ..............443
Vehicle level (display message) .......302
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 380
Video Operating the DVD ......................... 270
VIN ...................................................... 443 W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 319
Brakes ........................................... 318
Check Engine ................................. 325
Coolant .......................................... 326
Distance warning ........................... 328
DISTRONI CPLUS ........................... 328 Index
21

At speeds below 20 mph (30 km/h), the front
wheels lock cyclically during braking .The
digging-in effect achieved in the process
reduces the stopping distance on off-road
terrain. This limits steering capability. BAS (Brake Assist System)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 66). G
WARNING
If BAS is malfunctioning, the braking distance
in an emergency braking situation is
increased. There is a risk of an accident.
In an emergency braking situation, depress
the brake pedal with full force. ABS prevents
the wheels from locking.
BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated. BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 66).
BAS PLUS is only available in vehicles
equipped with DISTRONIC PLUS.
For BAS PLUS to assist you when driving, the
radar sensor system must be:
R activated (Y page 277)
R operational
With the help of the radar sensor system, BAS
PLUS can detect obstacles that are in the
path of your vehicle for an extended period of
time.
If the radar sensor system is malfunctioning,
BAS PLUS will not be available. The brake
system is still available with complete brake
boosting effect and BAS. BAS PLUS provides braking assistance in
hazardous situations at speeds greater than
4 mph (7 km/h).
At speeds of up to approximately 40 mph
(70 km/h), BAS PLUS can also detect
stationary objects. Examples of stationary
objects are stopped or parked vehicles.
To prevent a front-end collision, BAS PLUS
calculates the brake force necessary if:
R
you approach an obstacle, and
R BAS PLUS has detected arisk of collision
At as pee dless than 20 mp h(30 km/h) : if
you depress the brake pedal, BASP LUS is
activated. The increase in brake pressure will
be carried out at the last possible moment.
At a speed greater than 20 mph
(30 km/h):ify ou depress the brake pedal
sharply, BAS PLUS automatically raises the
brake pressure to a value adapted to the
traffic situation.
If BAS PLUS demands particularly high
braking force, preventative passenger
protection measures (PRE-SAFE ®
) are
activated simultaneously.
X Keep the brake pedal depressed until the
emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
BAS PLUS is deactivated and the brakes
function as usual, if:
R you release the brake pedal.
R there is no longer any danger of a rear-end
collision.
R no obstacle is detected in front of your
vehicle.
If you have activated DSR (Y page 246), BAS
PLUS is likewise deactivated. G
WARNING
BAS PLUS cannot always clearly identify
objects and complex traffic situations. BAS
PLUS cannot intervene in these cases. There
is a risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic
situation and be ready to brake. Driving safety systems
67Safety Z

tha
tare in the path of yourv ehicle for an
extended period of time.
Should you approach an obstacle and
Adaptive Brake Assist has detected a risk of
collision, Adaptive Brake Assist calculates the
braking force necessary to avoid a rear-end
collision. Should you apply the brakes
vigorously, Adaptive Brake Assist will
automatically increase the braking force to a
level suitable for the traffic conditions.
X Keep the brake pedal depressed until the
emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will work normally again if:
R you release the brake pedal.
R there is no longer any danger of a rear-end
collision.
R no obstacle is detected in fron tofyour
vehicle.
Adaptive Brake Assist is then deactivated.
If Adaptive Brake Assist requires particularly
high brake pressure, preventive passenger
protection measures (PRE-SAFE ®
) are
deployed simultaneously.
Up to vehicle speeds of around 155 mph
(250 km/h), adaptive Brake Assist is capable
of reacting to moving objects that have
already been recognized as such at least once
over the period of observation. Adaptive
Brake Assist does not react to stationary
obstacles.
If Adaptive Brake Assist is not available due
to a malfunction in the radar sensor system,
the brake system remains available with full
brake boosting effect and BAS.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can
be impaired if there is:
R dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
R snow or heavy rain
R interference by other radar sources
R there are strong radar reflections, for
example in parking garages R
a narrow vehicle traveling in front, e.g. a
motorbike
R a vehicle traveling in front on a different line
relative to the center of your vehicle
Following damage to the front end of the
vehicle, have the configuration and operation
of the radar sensor checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. This also applies to
collisions at low speeds where there is no
visible damage to the front of the vehicle. ESP
®
(Electronic Stability Program)
General notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section (Y page 66).
ESP ®
monitors driving stability and traction,
i.e. power transmission between the tires and
the road surface.
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. The engine output is also modified to
keep the vehicle on the desired course within
physical limits. ESP ®
assists the driver when
pulling away on wet or slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the vehicle during braking.
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction System) ETS/4ETS traction control is part of ESP
®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels
individually if they spin. This enables you to
pull away and accelerate on slippery surfaces,
for example if the road surface is slippery on
one side. In addition, more drive torque is
transferred to the wheel or wheels with
traction.
Traction control remains active, even if you
deactivate ESP ®
. 70
Driving safety systemsSafety

In appropriate driving situations, activate the
off-road program:
X Vehicles withou tthe ON&OFFROAD
package (Y page 248)
X Vehicles with the ON&OFFROAD package
(Y page 248)
Off-road 4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) A4
ETS syste mspecifically suited to off-road
terrain is activated automatically once the off-
road program is activated on:
R vehicles without the ON&OFFROAD
package (Y page 248)
R vehicles with the ON&OFFROA Dpackage
(Y page 248)
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, ESP ®
is unable to
stabilize the vehicle .Additionally, further
driving safety systems are deactivated. This
increases the risk of skidding and an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP ®
checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: only operate the
vehicle for a maximum of ten seconds on a
brake test dynamometer. Switch off the
ignition.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: function or
performance tests may only be carried out
on a 2-axle dynamometer. Before you
operate the vehicle on such a
dynamometer, please consult a qualified
workshop. You could otherwise damage
the drive train or the brake system.
ESP ®
is deactivated if the 0017warning lamp
in the instrument cluster lights up
continuously when the engin eis running. If the
000F warning lamp and the 0017
warning lamp are lit continuously, ESP ®
is not
available due to a malfunction.
Observe the information on warning lamps
(Y page 321) and displaym essages which
may be shown in the instrument cluster
(Y page 283).
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
Characteristics of ESP ® General information
ESP
®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the 000FESP®
warning
lamp flashes in the instrument cluster.
If ESP ®
intervenes:
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
under any
circumstances.
X Only depress the accelerator pedal as far
as necessary when pulling away.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the
prevailing road and weather conditions.
ECO start/stop function
The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically when the vehicle
stops moving. The engine starts
automatically when the driver wants to pull
away again. ESP ®
remains in its previously
selected status. Example:if ESP®
was
deactivated before the engin ewas switched
off, ESP ®
remains deactivated when the
engine is switched on again.
Deactivating/activating ESP ® Important safety notes
You can selec
tbetween the following states
of ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
is activated.
R ESP ®
is deactivated. Driving safet
ysystems
71Safety Z

The braking action of PRE-SAFE
®
Brake is
ended automatically if:
R you maneuver to avoid the obstacle.
R there is no longer any danger of a rear-end
collision.
R there is no longer an obstacle detected in
front of your vehicle.
If you have activated DSR (Y page 246), PRE-
SAFE ®
Brake is deactivated.
At speeds of up to approximately 40 mph
(70 km/h) ,PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can also detect
stationary objects .Examples of stationary
objects are stopped or parked vehicles.
If you approach an obstacle and PRE-SAFE ®
Brake detects a ris kofacollision, the system
will alert you both visuall yand acoustically. If
you do not brake or take evasive action, the
system will warn you by automatically braking
the vehicle gently .Ifthere is an increased risk
of collision, preventative passenger
protection measures (PRE-SAFE ®
) are
activated (Y page 54). If, at speeds over
20 mph (30 km/h), a risk of collision remains
and you do not brake, take evasive action or
significantly accelerate, automatic braking
may be performed up to alevel of automatic
emergency braking. Automatic emergency
braking is not performed until immediately
prior to an accident that can no longer be
avoided. G
WARNING
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake will initially brake your
vehicle by a partial application of the brakes
if a danger of collision is detected. There may
be a collision unless you also brake.
Automatic emergency brakin gcannot prevent
a collision .There is a risk of an accident.
Always apply the brakes yourself and try to
take evasive action. G
WARNING
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake cannot always clearly
identify objects and complex traffic
conditions. In these cases, PRE-SAFE
®
Brake may:
R give an unnecessary warning and then
brake the vehicle
R not give a warning or intervene
There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay particular attention to the traffic
situation and be ready to brake, especially if
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake warns you. Terminate the
intervention in a non-critical driving situation.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can
be impaired if:
R there is dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
R snow or heavy rain
R interference by other radar sources
R there are strong radar reflections, for
example in parking garages
R a narrow vehicle traveling in front, e.g. a
motorbike
R a vehicle traveling in front on a different line
relative to the center of your vehicle G
WARNING
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake does not react:
R to people or animals
R to oncoming vehicles
R to crossing traffic
R when cornering
As a result, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may neither
give warnings nor intervene in all critical
situations. There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic
situation and be ready to brake.
In order to maintain an appropriate distance
from the vehicle in front and thus prevent a
collision, you must apply the brakes yourself.
X To activate/deactivate: activate or
deactivate PRE-SAFE ®
Brake in the on-
board computer (Y page 272).
When PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is activated, the
0003 symbol appears in the multifunction
display as long as the HOLD function is 74
Driving safety systemsSafety

AMG vehicles:
the ECO start/stop function
is only available in drive program C.
For further information on automatic engine
switch-off (Y page 162) and automatic
engine start (Y page 162).
Automatic engine switch-off If the vehicle is braked to a standstill in
Dor
N, the ECO start/stop function switches off
the engine automatically.
The ECO start/stop function is operational
and the 0013symbol is displayed in green in
the multifunction display, if:
R the indicator lamp in th eECO butto nis lit
green.
R no off-road program has been selected.
R the outside temperature is within the
comfort range.
R the engine is at normal operating
temperature.
R the set temperature for the vehicle interior
has been reached.
R the battery is sufficiently charged.
R the system detects that the windshield is
not fogged up when the air-conditioning
system is switched on.
R the hood is closed.
R the driver's door is closed and the driver's
seat belt is fastened.
If conditions for automatic engine switch-off
have not been fulfilled, the 0013symbol will
be shown in yellow.
AMG vehicles: the AMG menu in the
multifunction display additionally shows the
Stop/Start inactive message.
i All of the vehicle's systems remain active
when the engine has been stopped
automatically.
i The HOLD function can be activated if the
engine has been switched off
automatically. It is then not necessary to
continue applying the brakes during the
automatic stop phase. When you depress the accelerator pedal, the engine starts
automatically and the braking effect of the
HOLD function is deactivated.
i All vehicles (apart from AMG
vehicles): automatic engine switch-off can
take place a maximum of four times
consecutively (initial stop then repeated
three times). The 0013symbol is shown in
yellow in the multifunction display after the
engine has been started automatically for
the fourth time. When the 0013symbol is
shown in green in the multifunction display,
automatic engine switch-off is again
possible.
i AMG vehicles: times which the engine
can be automatically switched off.
Automatic engine start The engine starts automatically if:
R
you switch off the ECO start/stop function
by pressing the ECO button.
R in transmission position Dor Nthe brake
pedal is released and the HOLD function is
not active.
R you depress the accelerator pedal.
R you engage reverse gear R.
R you move the transmission out of position
P.
R you switch to drive program Sor M(AMG
vehicles).
R you switch to an off-road program (except
for AMG vehicles).
R you unfasten your seat belt or open the
driver's door.
R the vehicle starts to roll.
R the brake system requires this.
R the temperature in the vehicle interior
deviates from the set range.
R the system detects moisture on the
windshield when the air-conditioning
system is switched on.
R the charge level of the battery is too low. 162
DrivingDriving and parking